This past Saturday evening proved to be great fun for the over 300 guests who attended the 45th Anniversary Celebration. Guests were greeted by students performing on guitar and piano and chatted over drinks in the central office courtyard. Korean student drummers then signaled the move to the gymnasium. Guests entered a completely transformed space. Blue carpet, batik-draped tables and dozens of ceiling decorations created a delightful venue for the upcoming program and dinner.

Steve Northcott, Middle School teacher and Master of Ceremonies for the evening, immediately added to the upbeat tone of the night. Featured alumni speaker Peter Doornbos ‘75 added his thoughtful reflections about the ISKL of thirty-five years ago and the impact that ISKL still has on alumni around the world.

The rest of the evening included comments by Director of Development, Joseph Eisen, and me, a thought-provoking video on the Annual Fund, a Malaysian “stalls” dinner, the auction of IB student artwork, and hours of high-class entertainment by the ISKL Singers and the ISKL Jazz Band. The evening rounded off with still more music and dancing and opportunities to give to the Annual Fund. The event certainly felt like it was supposed to feel: like a celebration.

My sincere thanks to the very large group of Board members, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of ISKL who organized and contributed to a festive anniversary party. I owe a special thanks to Co-Chairs Kit Ong ’85 (current parent) and Nordin Abdullah ’95 and to Jane Strecker, Lora Ellison and Gael Oliveres ’02. Everyone joined together to create a spirited, laughter-filled evening that generated many stories and conversations about the ISKL of the past – and the ISKL of the future.

I am pleased to note that contributions to our inaugural Annual Fund Drive already totals over RM 181,000; my sincere thanks to those of you who have already made a donation. If you remain interested in making a donation to the Fund, please know that it is not too late to do so. Your gift will help accelerate the pace at which we enhance our present programs and facilities.

You can contribute in a variety of ways. If you click “ANNUAL FUND” you will begin making an on-line donation. You can also fill out the pledge card found in the March Hornbill magazine and send it to us in the accompanying envelope. Finally, you can also stop by the Ampang or Melawati reception area and make a donation there.

I am grateful to be a part of the ISKL story, and I hope all of you feel the same. We have much reason to feel proud of the School and positive about the years ahead. With your continued energy and support the future of ISKL is bright. Once again, Happy Birthday, ISKL!